Generational Career Infographics

This Payscale Chart Examines Gen Y in the Workplace

The Gen Y in the Workplace infographic by PayScale examines how this upcoming generation differs from the rest of the pack. Generation Y, also referred to as Millennials, includes those born during the mid 80s and beyond.

This young generation is one of the fastest-growing groups identified in the current workforce. They are tenacious, tech-savvy and focused on obtaining achievements when it comes to the workplace. Gen Y has been criticized for having a short attention span, as the median years spent with an employer is just two. This can also be seen in their outlooks on education, with only 1.7% having obtained a Ph.D. Despite these criticisms, Gen Y demonstrates a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with 47% preferring smaller startup-like companies. This attribute is critical with job markets slumping and innovative businesses constantly emerging.

Learn more about the characteristics of Gen Y in the Workplace with this eye-opening infographic.

Gen Y Entrepreneurship
With 47% of Gen Y preferring smaller startup-like companies, there is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the entrepreneurial sector targeting this generation.
Gen Y Workforce Retention
As Gen Y has a median time spent with an employer of just two years and is one of the fastest growing groups in the workforce, there is an opportunity for innovative and disruptive strategies to improve retention rates in industries such as tech, creative, and startup culture.
Gen Y Education
With only 1.7% of Gen Y obtaining a Ph.D., there is an opportunity for innovative and disruptive education solutions that cater to the learning style and preferences of this generation.

Sectors Adopting This

Entrepreneurship
The entrepreneurial sector can benefit from targeting the 47% of Gen Y that prefer smaller startup-like companies, by offering innovative solutions that cater to the needs of this generation.
Tech Industry
With Gen Y being one of the fastest growing groups in the workforce and having a strong preference for startup-like companies, there is an opportunity for the tech industry to innovate and disrupt traditional workforce practices in order to improve employee retention rates for this group.
Education Industry
Innovative and disruptive solutions can be implemented in the education industry in order to cater to the learning style and preferences of Gen Y, who are currently underrepresented in the higher education sector.
SCORE
3.4 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe, Asia
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 52%
Activity 41%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X